persistent

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adjective per·sis·tent \ pər-ˈsi-stənt , -ˈzi- \

Definition of persistent

1 :existing for a long or longer than usual time or continuously: such as

a :retained beyond the usual period

a persistent leaf

b :continuing without change in function or structure

persistent gills

c :effective in the open for an appreciable time usually through slow volatilizing

mustard gas is persistent

d :degraded only slowly by the environment

persistent pesticides

e :remaining infective for a relatively long time in a vector after an initial period of incubation

persistent viruses

2 a :continuing or inclined to persist in a course

b :continuing to exist despite interference or treatment

a persistent cough

has been in a persistent vegetative state for two years

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persistently

adverb

See persistent defined for English-language learners

See persistent defined for kids

Examples of persistent in a Sentence

Contrary to persistent myth, Hoover was an activist. —Steve Forbes, Forbes, 30 June 2008
The high-water mark of such truckling might be the publication of the Cato Institute report "America's Record Trade Deficit: A Symbol of Strength." Freedom had become slavery; persistent deficits had become economic power. —Eric Janszen, Harper's, February 2008
The silence started from your end just about the time you said good-bye to dear St. Elizabeth and it has been constant and persistent ever since. —Archibald Macleish, letter, 11 July 1959
We were nagged by a persistent salesman.
He is one of the government's most persistent critics.
She has been persistent in pursuing the job.
He has been fighting a persistent cold.
Flooding has been a persistent problem in the area this year.
Persistent rumors that the business is for sale have alarmed the staff.

Recent Examples of persistent from the Web

Besides low growth, the current recovery is characterized by persistent low interest rates and low inflation.

— mark daly, idahostatesman, "The economy is lagging still, but looks to rebound in the near future," 21 Aug. 2017
Wanda Sevier, 58, was convicted Friday of assault and being a persistent felony offender, the Kenton County Commonwealth's Attorney announced.

— sarah brookbank, Cincinnati.com, "It was the Covington woman, with the candlestick, by the trash cans," 18 Aug. 2017
The stain of colonialism has much to do with the nation’s persistent poverty and corruption, but Indian politicians, too, bear much of the blame for the half-century of stagnation after independence.

— pradheep j. shanker, National Review, "India at 70: The Asian Tiger Rising," 15 Aug. 2017
Sansa’s persistent (and not very gentle) rebuffs all season have done nothing to stop the scheming player from lurking, smirking, and waiting to make his move.

— joanna robinson, HWD, "Game of Thrones: Littlefinger’s Terrified Reaction to Bran, Explained," 7 Aug. 2017
Persistent poverty shapes daily existence in this expanse of agricultural flatland that gave birth to the blues.

— Washington Post, "Entrenched poverty tough to shake in the Mississippi Delta," 6 Aug. 2017
County governments have been among the most vocal and persistent supporters of a gas tax increase the last few years.

— mike cason, AL.com, "Could lawmakers raise Alabama's gasoline tax during an election year?," 18 July 2017
But, the Bond producers have been persistent nonetheless, and, according to a new report from the Mirror, Craig has changed his mind!

— matt miller, Esquire, "Daniel Craig Will Reportedly Return as James Bond, a Job He Truly Hates," 10 July 2017
The rain proved persistent, though, but the free camp's presenters had a Plan B: The camp moved to Trojan Hall at Daphne High School for an autograph session.

— mark inabinett, AL.com, "Rain turns football camp into marathon autograph session," 8 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'persistent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of persistent

Latin persistent-, persistens, present participle of persistere — see persist

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1826

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persistent Synonyms

Synonyms

dogged, insistent, patient, persevering, pertinacious, tenacious

Near Antonyms

quitting, surrendering, yielding; faltering, hesitant, hesitating, irresolute, vacillating, wavering; disloyal, faithless, false, fickle, inconstant, perfidious, traitorous, treacherous

PERSISTENT Defined for English Language Learners

persistent

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adjective

Definition of persistent for English Language Learners

: continuing to do something or to try to do something even though it is difficult or other people want you to stop
: continuing beyond the usual, expected, or normal time : not stopping or going away

PERSISTENT Defined for Kids

persistent

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adjective per·sist·ent \ pər-ˈsi-stənt \

Definition of persistent for Students

:continuing to act or exist longer than usual

a persistent cold

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persistently

adverb

Medical Dictionary

persistent

play

adjective per·sis·tent \ -tənt \

medical Definition of persistent

1 :existing or continuing for a long time: as

a :effective in the open for an appreciable time usually through slow volatilizing

mustard gas is persistent

b :degraded only slowly by the environment

persistent pesticides

c :remaining infective for a relatively long time in a vector after an initial period of incubation

persistent viruses

2 :continuing to exist despite interference or treatment

a persistent cough

has been in a persistent vegetative state for two years

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